GFB News Magazine
D.C. trip offers advocacy lessons
by Levi Davis
Posted on May 26, 2025 7:38 PM
For the 41st year, GFB Young Farmers & Ranchers traveled to Washington, D.C. / Photo by Logan Thomas
Georgia Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers (YF&R) traveled to Washington, D.C., in April to learn about the legislative process and how to advocate for agriculture firsthand.
Attendees were selected through an application process open to all GFB members ages 18-35. GFB covered the trip expenses for those selected.
Most of this year’s attendees were new to the trip and D.C. This gave them a fresh perspective and made them eager to learn how to become better ag advocates.
Thirty YF&R members participated in the four-day program April 1-4. The group started their D.C. experience at the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) office with an advocacy training session and a briefing by AFBF staff on issues including, but not limited to labor, pesticide regulations, Waters of the U.S., and international trade.
The second day began with a breakfast at AFBF headquarters followed by an informal meeting with Sen. Jon Ossoff. The YF&R members then divided into groups to visit at least two U.S. representatives in their offices on Capitol Hill.
Sen. Jon Ossoff, center, meets with the GFB Young Farmers & Ranchers visiting Washington, D.C., in April. /Photo by Logan Thomas
The group met with congressional members and staff from the offices of Sens. Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock and Reps. Rick Allen, Buddy Carter, Andrew Clyde, Mike Collins, Marjorie Taylor Greene, Barry Loudermilk, Lucy McBath, Rich McCormick and Austin Scott. Energy, ag labor and the farm bill were the main topics discussed.
“We’re bringing our stories up here to the representatives and senators. We’re bringing our industry to their office door, and letting them know what we’re struggling with, and what they can do from their side of things to help us out,” said GFB YF&R Committee Chairman Allie Andrews.
AFBF Senior Director of Government Affairs David Salmonsen said GFB’s YF&R Trip to D.C. is impactful because it shows young farmers and ranchers how they can share their farm experiences to influence how legislators vote.
“Our young people can say ‘What you do now-I’ll be living with the rest of my life. I’ll be operating in a business environment that you are impacting for the rest of my life,’” Salmonsen said.
On the third day of the trip, the YF&R delegation toured the Australian Embassy. Thanks to GFB National Affairs Coordinator Ben Parker for arranging the tour. The group enjoyed hearing about the differences in American and Australian agriculture. Embassy staff discussed Australia’s primary commodities – beef & veal, wheat, dairy, sheep & lamb and wool.
GFB has taken its YF&R members to D.C. every year since 1983, except 2021 and 2022 due to the COVID Pandemic.
Plans are underway for the 2026 trip. Applications will be available in late 2025. Those interested should contact their county Farm Bureau office manager and look for information on GFB social media.
YF&R members attend FUSION Conference
Members of the GFB Young Farmers & Ranchers and the GFB Women’s Leadership Committees attended the American Farm Bureau’s Farmers United: Skills, Inspiration, Outreach and Networking (FUSION) Conference held March 7-10 in Denver, Colorado.
The conference is designed for Farm Bureau members serving on county Young Farmer, Women’s Leadership, and Promotion & Engagement committees.
These committee members attended workshops on AFBF’s five major focus areas: consumer outreach, member value, advocacy, outreach/education, and leadership development. Members heard inspiring messages from Temple Grandin, Josh Sundquist, and AFBF President Zippy Duvall.
YF&R members attending the AFBF FUSION conference were, from left, Cole & Nicole Roper, Franklin Co., GFB Dist. 2; Tucker & Emily West, Taliaferro Co., GFB Dist. 4; Taylor Arrington; YFR Committee Chairman Allie Andrews, Lamar Co.; GFB Dist. 5; Cleve & Emilia Jackson, Floyd Co., AFBF YF&R Committee members. / Photo by Levi Davis
GFB Young Farmers & Ranchers Coordinator Levi Davis may be contacted at ledavis@gfb.org or 478-474-0679, ext. 5233. Anyone ages 18-35 involved in any aspect of agriculture is encouraged to contact your county Farm Bureau to join your local YF&R program.